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England’s lower order hitting guided them to a competitive total of 209 for seven just as another middle order collapse threatened to derail their opening World Cup match against New Zealand.

Put in to bat in the heavyweight Group C clash, England had manoeuvred themselves into a promising position with Kevin Pietersen and Paul Collingwood forging an 81-run stand spanning 19.3 overs.

But just as England prepared to launch a late assault in the final 15 overs of their innings and propel themselves to a commanding total, they lost three wickets for one run in seven balls and slumped to 138 for seven.

It took an unbroken 71-run partnership between wicketkeeper Paul Nixon and Liam Plunkett to rescue England’s cause and guide them to a competitive 209, although the average score at the Beausejour Stadium is 240.